'Hybrid' teleworkers cited as more productive, satisfied

A new Cisco-sponsored study by the University of Melbourne and the NZ Work Research Institute finds that employees who work at home one to three days a week are more productive than those who don't telework at all.

The study polled more than 1,800 employees, 100 managers and 50 businesses across New Zealand and Australia. The research found that "hybrid teleworkers" - those who work remotely one to three days a week - believed they were more productive. And, perhaps more importantly, their managers found that hybrid teleworkers delivered better work and were absent less.

The study concluded:

1. Teleworkers are more productive and satisfied.

2. Teleworking is mainstream, with the hybrid model being the most popular.

3. The keys to successful telework are trust, good management and the right tech support.

More interesting facts:

47% say their employer or manager is aware that they telework, but there is no formal policy or agreement in place.

70% agree that their manager trusts them to be productive and focused on work outcomes while teleworking.

71% of employees say teleworking has a favorable influence on their overall attitude toward the job, suggesting that telework opportunities are important for retaining employees.

Productivity was rated significantly higher on a range of measures by hybrid teleworkers, with ratings up to 12% higher for teleworkers.

Only 4% agree teleworking makes it difficult to communicate and collaborate with colleagues.

"Our study confirms that flexible work is a way for managers to invest in the wellbeing of their workers, increasing productivity, job satisfaction, and retaining talented workers," notes Rachelle Bosua of the University of Melbourne.